Winix 5500-2 vs Levoit Vital 200S: Best Air Purifier for Pet Owners
For pet owners, clean air means more than removing dust and pollen. It also requires tackling pet hair, dander, and odors. Two popular air purifiers in this category are the Winix 5500-2 and the Levoit Vital 200S. Both target medium to large rooms, but which one works best for homes with cats or dogs?Let’s take a closer look.
Key Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Winix 5500-2 | Levoit Vital 200S |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 23.6 × 15 × 8.2 in | 20 × 16 × 8.5 in |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs | 13 lbs |
| Airflow (CFM) | 240 CFM | 245 CFM |
| Room Coverage | Up to 360 sq. ft. | Up to 300 sq. ft. |
| Filtration System | Washable pre-filter + True HEPA filter + Carbon pellet filter + PlasmaWave technology | Washable pre-filter + Proprietary particle filter (not HEPA) + Carbon pellet filter |
| Best for Pet Odors | Yes — large carbon pellet filter handles litter box and dog odors well | Yes — pellet carbon is better than thin coated filters |
| Noise Level | 27 – 60 dB | 26 – 54 dB |
| Filter Replacement Cost | ~$40–60 | ~$50 |
| Price | ~$160–200 | ~$170 |
Winix 5500-2: A Great Choice for Pet Allergies
Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier
- Brand:Winix
- Product Dimensions:11″D x 15.9″W x 25.2″H
- Floor Area:1881 Square Feet
- Specification Met:AHAM Certified, CARB Certified, UL Certified
Pros:
- True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of pet dander, dust, and allergens down to 0.3 microns — ideal for allergy sufferers.
- Carbon pellet filter is excellent at removing cat litter odors, dog smell, and other household VOCs.
- PlasmaWave technology helps neutralize bacteria and pet-related pollutants without producing harmful ozone.
- Larger room coverage — great for living rooms or homes with multiple pets.
Cons:
- Bulkier and heavier than the Levoit Vital 200S.
- Higher power consumption (~70W).
- Replacement filters can be slightly more expensive.
Levoit Vital 200S: Compact and Pet-Friendly
Levoit Vital 200S
- Brand:LEVOIT
- Product Dimensions:15.6″D x 8.5″W x 19.8″H
- Floor Area:1875 Square Feet
- Specification Met:CARB Certified
Pros:
- Washable pre-filter is especially handy for pet hair — you can rinse it regularly instead of replacing it.
- Carbon pellet filter helps with pet odors better than thin carbon-coated filters.
- Energy efficient and quieter than many other models — useful for bedrooms where pets sleep with you.
- Dedicated button to turn off all lights, so your cat or dog won’t be disturbed at night.
- Lightweight and easy to move between rooms.
Cons:
- Does not use a True HEPA filter, which may concern pet allergy sufferers.
- Filter stacking order places the carbon filter behind the particle filter, which may reduce filter lifespan.
- Smaller room coverage compared to the Winix 5500-2.
Which One Is Better for Pet Owners?
If your biggest concern is allergies caused by pet dander and fur, the Winix 5500-2 is the safer choice thanks to its certified True HEPA filter and excellent odor control. It’s especially good for families with multiple pets or larger spaces where air circulation is more challenging.
However, if you want a quieter, lighter, and more energy-efficient air purifier that still handles pet odors well, the Levoit Vital 200S is a great pick. Its washable pre-filter makes it convenient for daily pet hair cleanup, and its night-friendly design is perfect for bedrooms where pets sleep.
Final Verdict
For pet owners, both models perform well against pet hair and odors. The choice depends on your priorities:
- If pet allergies are a problem at home, the Winix 5500-2 is a smart pick. Its True HEPA filter offers trusted protection.
- The Levoit Vital 200S is quiet, compact, and easy to clean. Its washable pre-filter handles pet hair every day.
Both purifiers keep the air clean, fresh, and comfortable for you and your pets.
